First Weeks
Starting life in the Netherlands
The Send Off
Although leaving home is never easy, I am so thankful for the way the last week in Canada went. I am so grateful to everyone in my community who prayed for me and came over to say goodbye. I spent a lovely week with my family, soaking in the last moments of family fun and the mountains. Then on July 6 my parents drove me down to Vancouver to begin the journey across the world.
Welcome Home
Welcome home! Is what my best friend said to me when she picked me up from the Schipol airport. After spending one hour crying, another hour questioning my life decisions, another hour calming down and praying, and 9 hours flying, I finally made it to the country that I would call home for the next few years.
For the first two weeks I traveled all around the Netherlands, meeting with family and friends. Although I had done these trips before, there was was something different now. I was aware in the back of my mind that these people would no longer be the family abroad, they would be the family that was close. A new chapter of getting to know the country, people and family that have always had my heart had begun. I know that although it might take some time, this country too will feel like home.
Heidebeek
After spending two weeks with family, I was finally able to move on to the YWAM Heidebeek base. Unfortunately there are no available rooms in the staff housing at the moment so I am rooming with another new staff member in the student housing. Because of this, it has been difficult to fully settle in at the base, but I am grateful for a place to sleep and time to adjust to life on the base.
I have already been able to contribute to the life on the base by joining base worship, giving a teaching on how to give a preaching and joining worship for a ministry night with the mini-DTS.
Practicals
An answer to prayer has really been my visa arriving earlier than expected. My first day at Heidebeek my aunt drove me to the local government building to pick up my card. A few days later I registered with the gemeente of Epe and I can now say that I am an official resident of the Netherlands. I thank God so much for the speed and smoothness of how this whole process has gone.
If you would like to know my new address is: Mussenkampseweg 32, 8181PK Heerde, The Netherlands.
Blessings
I have shared my testimony with a few missionaries of how the process of preparing for missions these past few months went, and they were all amazed at how quickly I got my funding and my visa. Therefore, I want to send an extra thank you to all of you who are supporting me. It is truly a miracle that I am here now for this season. It is almost unheard of for a foreigner to get all their funding in 6-8 weeks and then get their visa within 2 months.
Ironically, something I have been worried about, has been finding furniture. However, when I prayed for it God said not to worry. And He was right because even though I am not able to move into my own place yet I already have a closet, a cupboard and a bed all gifted to me. I also had friends who provided me with a bike. These blessings have made this transition so much easier and have eased my mind of much needless worry.
Training!
Staff training started on July 31st! I’m so excited to be working with this amazing team this season. We spent this past week getting to know one another, sharing testimonies and praying for the school. We divided up the practical duties and started praying for the theme of the school. At the moment there are around 10 students signed up for the September DTS. Please join in me praying for the students that still need their visas and the people who are considering doing a DTS.
Reflection and Prayer Points
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8
Isaiah 6 has been following me around for the past years. And every time God brings it to my attention, he highlights another aspect of the chapter. I am so thankful for His living word that has sustained me through this time of transition.
Prayer points
That the transition and culture shock won’t be too difficult
That I will have permanent housing soon
God will prepare the hearts of the staff and the students for this upcoming school.
Please feel free to reach out if you want to connect!